From Pilgrimage to Pilgrimage : The Roman Catholic Church in Poland During the Political Transition (1987–1991) – Selected Issues

Hlebowicz, Jan (2025) From Pilgrimage to Pilgrimage : The Roman Catholic Church in Poland During the Political Transition (1987–1991) – Selected Issues. HURBÁN: EGYÜTTÉLÉS ÖSSZEOMLÁS ÚJRAKEZDÉS, 3 (2). pp. 76-89. ISSN 3004-023X

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Abstract

The study examines the role of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland during the political transition of 1987–1991, with particular focus on the rapid changes in public perception and the significance of the papal pilgrimages. The author shows that the Church initially acted as a mediator between the communist authorities and the Solidarity movement, although its position remained ambivalent in several respects. The third (1987) and fourth (1991) papal visits took place in radically different socio‑political contexts, revealing a decline in the Church’s prestige and diminishing resonance of its religious messaging. The study also analyses the post‑transition conflicts surrounding the Church’s political influence, the reintroduction of religious education, and the debate over abortion legislation. It concludes that the Church was unprepared for the rapid modernization processes following 1989 and lacked a coherent strategy, resulting in a significant weakening of its societal legitimacy.

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